Reborn in 1977

Chapter 518: Never Flying Again

The second visit to Old Ba's house was just like before.

Except there was one more person in the living room.

Seeing Chen Fan enter, he and Old Ba both turned their heads.

Chen Fan glanced at him casually, noticing his thin face, black-framed glasses, hair neatly combed back, and a slightly old-fashioned wool coat over a black wool sweater. His whole person was neat and tidy, giving the impression of a refined "Old Shanghai" gentleman.

Old Ba beckoned to Chen Fan, a happy smile on his face, "Xiao Chen, come over quickly, let me introduce you to a senior figure."

Upon hearing this, the man grinned silently, his gaze fixed on Chen Fan.

Chen Fan quickly walked over, greeting respectfully, "Hello, Old Ba, hello, sir."

Then he pulled up a chair and sat down at the coffee table, feigning complaint, "If you're going to introduce me to a senior figure, you should have told me in advance. Look at me, face unwashed, teeth unbrushed, rushing over here, without even bringing a gift. I'm so embarrassed."

Old Ba choked on his tea, pointing at him in annoyance, "You slippery rascal, always acting improperly."

The gentleman finally chuckled, "Haha."

Old Ba turned to him and said, "It's this slippery rascal who swiped the pen I brought back from the northern battlefield, and Feng Mian's painting tube as well."

Hearing this, the gentleman laughed even more heartily, "You, you, you've finally met your match."

After the laughter subsided, Old Ba finally introduced him, "This is Xia Yan. Have you heard of him?"

Chen Fan's eyes widened instantly, and he quickly stood up to greet him again, "Hello, Elder Xia."

If Old Ba was a literary giant, then Xia Yan was one of the leading figures in the theater world. Note: theater includes film.

In the era before televisions were common and TV dramas had not yet emerged, there was no concept of a "film and television industry." Audiences now talk about movies and theater, where theater mainly refers to stage plays.

As for Peking Opera and local operas, those are called traditional operas, or "old plays" by the common people.

And Xia Yan was a playwright, one of the initiators, founders, and leaders of leftist drama, and also an important member of the National Writers Association, holding a high position within the association.

Unfortunately, his luck was not good. As one of the "Four Villains," he was implicated twice.

He only returned to Shanghai a few months ago.

He and Old Ba were old friends of many years, and it was common for them to visit each other.

However, Chen Fan was a little puzzled. Did Old Ba call him over just to introduce him to Elder Xia?

He didn't think he had that much face!

Thinking quickly.

Just as Chen Fan had greeted him again, Old Ba said, "I called you over today because Old Xia has taken a liking to your 'Ferryman' and wants to adapt it into a screenplay to be filmed by the Shanghai Film Studio. What do you think?"

Chen Fan chuckled inwardly, 'What do I think?'

But he said aloud, "That's my honor. Feel free to adapt it however you like!"

This was Xia Yan. If he said he wanted to film it, it could be seen as an order… "Heroic Sons and Daughters" was filmed by Changchun Film Studio after he read Old Ba's "Reunion," which was written after leading a team to collect material from the northern battlefield.

Now that he had been named, it was almost certain that "Ferryman" would be made into a movie.

He just didn't know if it would be released this year or next.

But besides being happy, he was also a little apprehensive.

Why?

As everyone knew, the 1980s were the most lenient time for "literary style," and many sharp articles could be openly published in newspapers and magazines.

However, during this period, Elder Xia, who held an extremely high position, didn't publish many articles, which was very strange.

That's because the articles he wrote at that time were so sharp that even the newspapers of that era dared not publish them, which angered him so much that he could only shut himself up at home to read books, and only published a few memoirs in the 1990s.

Now, Chen Fan only hoped that Elder Xia could be calm when dealing with "art" and not add any extra ingredients to the script, otherwise, his little heart couldn't take it!

Seeing Chen Fan's straightforwardness, Elder Xia, although he had expected it, couldn't help but be a little happy. He immediately took out a pen from his pocket and handed it to him, smiling, "I heard that your calligraphy is good. I'm giving you this pen to wish you further progress."

Just as Chen Fan took it with both hands, before he could say anything, Old Ba said unhappily, "His calligraphy is already slightly better than Qi Gong's, and you want him to make further progress? Do you want him to go to heaven?!"

Elder Xia was immediately surprised and turned to look at Chen Fan, "You actually have such attainments?"

After a pause of two seconds, he said, "Since you just said that you didn't bring a gift and felt embarrassed, then give me a few of your calligraphic works as a gift, so you don't have to feel embarrassed."

Chen Fan's gaze gradually became dull. Did these big shots not like being polite so much?

However, since the other party had already paid the "brush fee," he wouldn't be stingy with his ink.

He still used Old Ba's brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone. In a short while, he wrote two large pieces of calligraphy.

Elder Xia, thinking about adapting the script, took the newly dried calligraphy, put it in one of Old Ba's painting tubes, tucked it under his arm, and hurriedly left, satisfied.

Standing at the door, watching Elder Xia walk away, Old Ba closed the door, patted Chen Fan's arm, and walked back.

After Chen Fan closed the door and followed him in two or three steps, he said with emotion, "Since Duanxian (Xia Yan's pen name, his real name is Shen Naixi, courtesy name Duanxian) returned to Shanghai, he has been unhappy every day, shutting himself up at home to read all day, and not seeing anyone. This is very different from his attitude in the past when his door was always open, and even young children could enter and leave at will.

I was still thinking about what I could do to slightly heal his mood. I didn't expect that he suddenly came to me early this morning, saying that he wanted to adapt 'Ferryman' into a script."

Old Ba smiled as he spoke, "He hasn't written a script in a long time. There must be something in your novel that touched him. This is very rare."

After a few words, they returned to the living room. Chen Fan helped Old Ba sit down and refilled his tea, smiling, "That's my honor."

It was indeed an honor. Xia Yan rarely wrote adaptations of scripts. He had only adapted Mao Dun's "The Lin Family Shop" and "Spring Silkworms," "Eternal Life in Flames" based on "Red Crag," and Lu Xun's "Blessing," among a few others.

He never thought that one day his article would also catch his eye. This was the treatment of a big shot. Without even waiting for the movie to be released, just the news spreading would make the people in the National Writers Association look at him with new eyes!

After chatting with Old Ba for a while, Chen Fan said, "Actually, even if you hadn't asked someone to find me today, I would have come to find you."

After a pause of two seconds, he met Old Ba's inquiring gaze and smiled, "I bought a plane ticket to the capital tomorrow. In a few days, I will accompany Chairman He to participate in the discussion on the reconstruction of the Writers Association, so I have to come and say goodbye to you."

Old Ba nodded in understanding, "So that's the matter."

He smiled and said, "I will also go there in a few days. We can meet in the capital then. Yanbing will be very happy to see you."

Chen Fan shrank his neck, "Don't say that, I'll be proud."

Shen Dehong, courtesy name Yanbing, pen name Mao Dun.

Yes, he was the leading figure in today's literary world, even Old Ba was slightly inferior.

Old Ba laughed and waved his hand, "No need to say more farewells, there will be a time to meet again. Go, go."

Chen Fan laughed, the old man was indeed洒脱.

Then he picked up the Zisha teapot on the coffee table and ran, which made Old Ba jump up and scold, "You little brat, you're not allowed to enter my house again."

Well, he even spoke in his local dialect.

… …

Chen Fan first rode his motorcycle home, carefully put away the Gu Jingzhou Zisha teapot, then went upstairs to take a look. The room was empty, it seemed that Jiang Lili had already gone to school.

He didn't stay either, he rode to her school, but not to find her, but to say goodbye to Teacher Hu.

Jiang Lili still had to stay here for four years, how could he use people when they were needed and abandon them when they were not?

After chatting with Teacher Hu for a while, leaving a few small ornaments he had carved, Chen Fan said goodbye and left.

When Jiang Lili finished school at noon, he accompanied her to eat a meal at the school, taking the opportunity to declare his ownership. In the afternoon, he went to Fudan University again and went through the process again.

Although Old Ba had greeted them, he also had to be sensible himself, so that it could last for a long time.

He didn't have dinner with Jiang Tiantian, but took her home, and after reuniting with Lili, they went to Anquan's house for a private housewarming banquet.

During dinner, Jiang Tiantian became interested when she heard An Quan enthusiastically chatting with Chen Fan about how to start extracurricular clubs and magazine societies at school.

After returning home, Jiang Tiantian asked, "Xiaofan, can I start a school newspaper or magazine at school?"

Chen Fan sat on the sofa, waiting for Jiang Lili to bring hot water. He immediately kicked off his slippers and soaked his feet, exhaling a long, comfortable breath. Then, he looked at her and smiled, "Of course you can. He can only do it at Shanghai Jiaotong University. Unless he has permission and cooperation from other schools, it won't leave the campus gates.

Even if he can sell it to other schools, it won't affect you starting your own publication at your school."

After a pause, he thought that Jiang Tiantian was still hiding something in her heart. If she could get busy with work, her thoughts would fade a little. So, he smiled and said, "If you want to start a publication, your department will definitely support you.

Also, didn't Mr. Ba ask you to go to the Shanghai Literature editorial department to learn on weekends? You can also ask them for advice.

In that case, your conditions for starting a publication are much better than An Ge's. Also, An Ge is doing these things to make money, but you are different. So, don't be like him and put your main energy on business. That's what the newspaper's president and manager do. You should position yourself as the editor-in-chief, responsible for the quality of the newspaper..."

Chen Fan talked on and on, telling her many ideas on how to run a newspaper. Jiang Tiantian listened attentively the whole time.

Jiang Lili, after pouring out the foot-washing water, stayed by Chen Fan's side, as if guarding some treasure.

However, she didn't think too much about it, because Chen Fan had told her before to keep her sister busy so she wouldn't think too much. She also thought this was a good idea.

Well, but it's always better to be careful, so it's better to keep a close eye on things.

Jiang Tiantian's mind was full of how to run the newspaper well, and she didn't notice her at all.

Then, when it was time to sleep, Chen Fan realized that he had messed up.

After bringing Jiang Tiantian back, his wife refused to sleep with him and insisted on going to her own room.

Hmph, burying her head in the sand.

So, the night passed without a word, and they all slept soundly.

The next morning, Chen Fan bid farewell to the two sisters, hailed a taxi, and went straight to Hongqiao Airport.

(August 1979 plane ticket, fare 64 yuan)

Chen Fan carried his oversized suitcase into the airport and was still looking for the security checkpoint when a service staff member enthusiastically led him to the check-in counter to exchange for a boarding pass. Then, he boarded the plane without any obstacles?

He didn't come back to his senses until he sat on the old Trident aircraft.

Taking advantage of a beautiful flight attendant passing by, he quickly whispered, "Comrade, is there no security check for boarding?"

The flight attendant looked at him in surprise, "Security check? Security check? Why security check?"

Chen Fan wiped his face, cold sweat breaking out on his forehead, "Just, I'm afraid bad people will get on the plane."

The flight attendant immediately smiled and comforted him, "Don't worry, we also have public security comrades on the plane. They will definitely ensure the safety of all passengers."

She was suppressing a smile in her heart, security check to get on the plane? Heh, then do you need security checks to get on ships and cars?

She didn't expect this young comrade to be quite handsome, but a coward.

Thinking of this, the flight attendant turned and went into the work room. After a while, she pushed out a small cart, brought it to Chen Fan, and smiled, "Comrade, is this your first time flying?"

Without waiting for Chen Fan to nod, she took out a small package of Zhonghua cigarettes and placed it on the tray in front of Chen Fan, and smiled, "You can smoke a cigarette if you're nervous."

Chen Fan immediately broke out in a cold sweat.

Smoking on the plane?

He suddenly felt a little weak under his feet, well, it was really soft, because it was carpeted!

What if the cigarette butt fell on the carpet...? Now he just wanted to know if there was a parachute on the plane???

He kicked under the seat, it seemed like there wasn't?

Then he saw the flight attendant take out a wine glass and a bottle of wine, pour him a glass of wine, handed it to him and said, "Here, have some wine, take a nap later, and you'll be in the capital soon."

(Drinking Moutai on the plane)

Chen Fan, with Moutai in one hand and Huazi cigarettes in the other, waited silently for the plane to take off with a fruit plate on the tray in front of him.

Huazi was a small package of five cigarettes, only one box, but Moutai could be refilled, and there was also a small folding fan as a souvenir.

I have to say, the experience of flying in this era is quite good.

Except for safety!

He needed safety now.

Fortunately, a few hours later, the plane landed safely at the Capital Airport.

Chen Fan fled off the plane as if he was running for his life. He vowed that he would never set foot on a plane again until smoking was banned on planes!

No one had told him before!

It wasn't until he stood on the tarmac that he let out a long breath. At this time, he had time to look at the capital in '78.

Then the first reaction was, so many foreigners!

(Capital Airport in the 1970s)

There were no boarding bridges. Everyone carried their luggage, walked from the waiting hall, and then boarded the plane through a vehicle-mounted boarding ladder.

Chen Fan stood on the tarmac curiously looking around. Although he had returned to this era for more than a year, the scene in front of him still made him feel very novel.

In fact, he also saw many foreigners at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport just now. The main connection point for Chinese and foreign flights this year is in Shanghai. Many foreign tourists enter the country, starting from Hongqiao Airport first.

However, wasn't he taken to the plane by the enthusiastic ground staff at that time? Maybe the timing was wrong, and there were not many people on the tarmac, so there was nothing to see. Now it's very interesting to watch.

Many people may think that foreign guests who come to China for tourism this year should be the kind with a lot of money at home. However, judging from their clothes, Chen Fan felt that most of them should be "ordinary" families.

There were no elaborate clothes, no delicate makeup, and even the luggage bags and suitcases were ordinary goods.

Judging from their appearance, they didn't seem to be from Europe and the United States. Most of them should be from Eastern European and South American countries, and of course, there were also some from Africa.

Chen Fan carried his suitcase and slowly walked out of the airport, then walked towards the taxi stand.

Unlike Shanghai, where you can stop taxis at will, taxis in the capital are very disciplined. They will never stop when you wave your hand. Instead, they only stop at designated taxi stands, take you to your destination, and then report to the nearest taxi stand.

If there is an emergency task, the taxi company will also transmit it through taxi stations all over the city.

As the Capital Airport, of course, there is also a taxi station.

Just like buying a ticket to take a bus at the bus station, you must first buy a ticket to take a taxi.

(Capital taxi ticket in the 1970s, you can call a car by phone)

Chen Fan asked all the way to the taxi station ticket booth, leaned on the window and asked, "Hello comrade, I want to go to Qianmen, how much does it cost?"

Thank goodness, the person in the booth was a female comrade. Seeing Chen Fan's face, her casual attitude immediately became enthusiastic, "You want to go to Qianmen? Visiting relatives?"

Chen Fan chuckled dryly, "Ah."

The ticket seller took out a map book and flipped through it, "It's about 35 kilometers from here to Qianmen. If you take Shouqi's car, it's 25 cents per kilometer. If you take Beiqi's car, it's 20 cents per kilometer."

Chen Fan blinked, "Is there any difference?"

The ticket seller chuckled, "The difference is big. Beiqi's cars are all produced in Eastern Europe, like Lada and Volga. They are not comfortable to sit in. Shouqi's cars are imported from the West, like Toyota, Ford, and Buick. They are more comfortable to sit in. They are usually used to pick up foreign guests or leaders."

So magical?

Chen Fan blinked and immediately said, "Then is there a Shouqi car?"

I am also a leader, how can I lose face?!

The ticket seller, "Yo, it seems like you don't lack money. Your company's benefits are really good."

She said and tore the ticket, "Including the starting price, it's 8 yuan and 50 cents in total."

Chen Fan paid the money cleanly, and then, with the guidance of the staff, ran to a Buick car with the invoice.